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Journal Article 1: Carr, D. S., Barnidge, M., Byung G. L, & Tsang, S. J. (2014). Cynics and skeptics: Evaluating the credibility of mainstream and citizen journalism. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 91, 452–470. Article first published online: June 13, 2014; Issue published: Sept. 1, 2014.

Abstract: With the increase in citizen-generated news, the need to understand how individual predispositions interact with news sources to influence perceptions of news credibility becomes increasingly important. Using a web-based experiment, this study examines the influences individual predispositions toward the media and politics have on perceived credibility of mainstream and citizen journalism. Analyzing data drawn from a representative sample of the U.S. adult population, results indicate that media skepticism and political cynicism interact, such that cynics and skeptics perceive citizen journalism as more credible, while non-cynics and non-skeptics think mainstream journalism is more credible.

Journal Article 2: van der Wurff, R., & Schoenbach, K. (2014). Civic and citizen demands of news media and journalists: What does the audience expect from good journalism? Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 91, 433–451. Article first published online: June 20, 2014; Issue published: September 1, 2014.

Abstract: What do citizens in the Netherlands expect from journalism? A large-scale survey shows that many audience expectations align fairly well with what experts and journalists consider important democratic functions of the press. We refer to these expectations as Civic Demands. In addition, more at odds with the profession’s view, the audience wants journalism to take Citizen Demands into account: the complaints and wishes of citizens. We explore how these demands relate to audience characteristics and news media use. Findings suggest that journalists and citizens could very well cooperate in securing a future for high-quality journalism.

Journal Article 3: Riffe, D, & Abdenour, J. (2016). “Erosion” of television city hall reporting? Perceptions of reporters on the beat in 2014 and 2001. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. Article first published online June 14, 2016

Abstract: Mail survey (N = 112) of lead city government reporters at randomly selected television stations in the 210 local designated market areas replicates a 1997 study. The 2014 reporters had a more pessimistic view of station commitment to and valuing of city government reporting than in 1997 study. Among 2014 respondents, older reporters were more pessimistic whereas smaller market reporters were more optimistic, and a majority believes media commitment to covering city government remains generally strong.